Auto-parts suppliers plan US trip

       The government is preparing to lead a trade mission to the United States early next month to look for investment opportunities in auto parts and services in the world's largest economy.
       The mission - scheduled for Oct 1-8 - will be primarily for members of the newly established Thai Auto Parts Aftermarket Association who want to establish Thai auto services and parts centres in Los Angeles, said Thailand Trade Representative Vachara Phanchet.
       The association for second-tier suppliers was established early this year. It now has 147 members, all Thai-owned,from 2,000 local suppliers.
       Thailand's second-tier industry is currently facing not only higher competition from China but also hardship from a bearish automotive industry."The government wants to help the industry to invest abroad to stave off head-on competition with China. The investment in auto services and parts centres in the US will help the industry export more of its products," he said.
       The government has selected Los Angeles as its first target because many Thais live there, he said.
       The mission has a goal for Thai companies to buy and set up 30 auto services centres in 2010 and up to 100 centres within five years.
       The US has 50,000 to 70,000 auto services and parts centres. Large and popular chains include Pep Boys, Auto Zone, Midas and Jiffy Lube.
       The government would ask the SME Bank and the Export and Import Bank of Thailand to support credit facilities for the participating businesses, said Mr Vachara.